Is a colonoscopy ever too risky?

Husband age 82, due to have next month. Told intestinal lining can be thinner in older people and that increases risk of puncture. I am scheduled to have one in 2027 and I will be 84. Father had colon cancer and I do not take chances. We both feel our bodies are younger than our years.

vic83, thanks. Yes, over 50 has highest risk, as well as African Americans and Jewish people of Eastern European descent -- according to Johns Hopkins. I wonder if it is easy to get that new blood test for colon cancer.

My older brother first had polyps, then me and then our other sibling, Made all the children get colonoscopies, and they all had polyps. One wants to find colon cancer before it becomes cancer, need colonoscopy for people with any risk

vic83, sometimes it runs in the family. so glad you got your loved ones checked out. you rock!

I had my last endoscopy/colonoscopy last year as I have IBS-D. I was 82. I have had one every five years since I was in my forties because of symptoms. At least they have never found a polyp. My uncle died from colon cancer and my mother had so many polyps that they had to surgically remove them but no cancer. I am one of those Jewish people of European descent. One of the first questions they ask when I have a mammogram also.

@gussie -- I am half Ashkenazi genetically and have never had a polyp in prior colonoscopies. I have never had a relative with colon cancer. Due to gastro issues and my own body's structure, for the last 10 years or so, the drugs given prior to a colonoscopy haven't worked well or made me ill.

My husband, who regularly has had several polyps removed at each of his colonoscopies, was told at age 69 to come back in 10 years. A girlfriend, 100% Ashkenazi, was also told at age 68 to to come back in 10 years; she has never had polyp.

I conclude I can avoid colonoscopies too. However, to be on the safer side, I plan on getting the new colon cancer blood scan done. True, it won't help prevent a colon cancer from developing, but I think it is my most comfortable option and meets a "good enough" standard.

I had no idea that there is a colon cancer blood scan that is so good to know. Good luck

@researchmaven
My first colonoscopy was at 55 years old. A couple small precancerous polyps were discovered and removed.
I need to get a colonoscopy every 5 years now so every 10 for your husband seems too far out?
As for yourself; depending upon your age but if you’re over 50 then a colonoscopy is the way to go!
I totally understand the fear because I was in fear as well!!! My wife also was in fear but I insisted she had it done.
Just think of what the outcome would be if a simple test didn’t reveal a problem which turned to cancer?
I think you need to reconsider your decision?

MOJO

Hi Mojo244,

I will see what my internist says about the new blood test for colon cancer. Note I have no fear of the prep or or the colonoscopy. Its just the prep drug the a new (to me) gastro gave me produced an atypical reaction, like really bad, scary food poisoning. I can try another gastro, for sure.

As far as my husband goes, I agree that it is strange that he was told to wait ten years for his next colonscopy, given that they always find three polyps.

As luck would have it, my husband sees his internist on Monday, so I will have him ask him about the ten year span recommendation. As for me, I will check with my internist about the blood test and also check in with another gastro about the prep they use.

So the bottom line is, that I am listening. THANK YOU!